Cambodia Approves Bill to Strip Citizenship of Those 'Conspiring' with Foreign Nations

Strategic Insights -

Cambodian lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow the government to revoke the citizenship of individuals found guilty of conspiring with foreign nations to harm the national interest. The amendment to the Nationality Law passed with a unanimous vote in the National Assembly, with all 120 members present approving the measure. Critics argue that the bill is a tool to suppress internal dissent and control political opponents of Prime Minister Hun Manet and the ruling Cambodian People's Party. The passage of the legislation comes amidst a period of heightened nationalism in Cambodia, fueled by a recent border dispute with Thailand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill would allow the government to revoke the citizenship of individuals found guilty of conspiring with foreign nations, effectively stripping them of their rights and identity in their home country.
  • The amendment to the Nationality Law was passed with a unanimous vote in the National Assembly, with all 120 members present approving the measure.
  • Critics argue that the bill is a tool to suppress internal dissent and control political opponents of Prime Minister Hun Manet and the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
  • The passage of the legislation comes amidst a period of heightened nationalism in Cambodia, fueled by a recent border dispute with Thailand.
  • The bill would apply to lifelong Cambodian citizens, people with dual citizenship in Cambodia and another nation, and people from other countries who have been granted Cambodian citizenship.
  • Some prominent government critics and opposition politicians are known to have dual citizenship.
  • The ruling Cambodian People's Party holds 120 of the 125 seats in the National Assembly and controls all the levers of government.
  • The bill's contents are "vaguely written," allowing the government to strip Cambodians of their citizenship, according to a statement issued by 50 Cambodian non-governmental organizations.
  • The bill would have a "disastrously chilling effect" on the freedom of speech of all Cambodian citizens.

Statistics:

  • 120 members of the National Assembly voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.
  • 150 countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation, according to Prime Minister Hun Manet.
  • The bill would apply to over 16 million Cambodian citizens, according to the country's Nationality Law.
  • The ruling Cambodian People's Party holds 96% of the seats in the National Assembly.

Sources:

  • AP News report "Cambodia approves bill allowing government to strip citizenship of those 'conspiring' with foreign nations" by Grant Peck and Pratch Rittiwut.